Our Services Implantation of Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) are implanted without removing the natural lens. The procedure is designed for people who have very high myopia or thin cornea but are not suitable for refractive surgery on cornea.

Advantages of Implantable Contact Lens

• Retain natural accommodation
• Treat high myopia and astigmatism
• Minimal risk of retinal detachment
• Reversible

Types of Implantable Contact Lens
The most common type of Implantable Contact Lens is posterior chamber lens.

Range of Refractive Error Applicable to Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
Types of ICL	Applicable Range of Refractive Error	Locations of ICL
Posterior Chamber Lens	100 to 1,800 degrees of myopia 100 to 1,000 degrees of hyperopia 100 to 600 degrees of Astigmatism	Fixed between iris and lens, that is behind the iris

1. Posterior Chamber Lens
The range of posterior chamber lens is wide and can correct as high as 1,800 degrees of myopia, 1,000 degrees of hyperopia, and 600 degrees of astigmatism. The surgeon will create a small incision on the edge of cornea with minimally invasive surgery, and place the lens between the iris and the natural lens. Patients’ visions can be corrected and their natural focusing capability can be retained. The posterior chamber lens is placed behind the iris so that the impact on corneal endothelial cells is small. On the other hand, it is close to the natural lens in the eyeball and may cause cataract.

How to prepare for Implantation of Implantable Contact Lens

• Attend one of the public seminars organized by Guy Hugh Chan Refractive Surgery Centre to obtain basic information about refractive surgeries. Admissions are free. Reservation can be made by contacting 2855 6699 or online at www.hksh-healthcare.com.
• Make an appointment with our Centre for a complete eye examination and evaluation. Book the date of operation if you are suitable for lens implantation.

The Procedure

• Prophylactic laser treatment to iris:
  
  • It may be done prior to the day of implantation for a certain type of ICL, and the procedure takes around 10 minutes.
  • A small opening may be made in the peripheral iris by laser to minimise the chance of elevated eye pressure.
  
  
• On the day of surgery:
  
  • The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia or monitored anaesthetic care (MAC).
  • A micro incision is made in the cornea and the lens is then implanted.
  • The lens is centred behind the pupil.
  • The small incision may need microscopic stitches for closure sometimes.

Risk and Complication

• The surgery cannot guarantee absolute accuracy of the target refraction.
• ICL can sometimes damage the endothelium (innermost layer of the cornea), causing haziness of cornea. There is a small chance that after certain years the endothelium cell count will drop to a level that the lens need to be removed.
• Iritis.
• Pupil ovalization.
• Glaucoma / cataract development / corneal decompensation.
• Hyphema.
• Infection or inflammation.
• Night glare or halo.
• Other extremely rare complications that may lead to permanent loss of vision, loss of eye, or even loss of life.

After the Procedure

• Please take medication or instill eye drops as instructed by doctor.
• Do not rub the eye.
• Keep the eye shield on for protection for 2 weeks during sleep.
• Avoid soap, shampoo or tap water getting into the eyes for 1 week.
• Use sunglasses when outdoor for 1 month to prevent foreign bodies and irritation of UV light.
• Do not use eye make-up and do not swim for 1 month after the surgery.
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining and excessive physical exertion.
• Take more fruit and vegetables to avoid constipation.
• Return every year for endothelium cell count to make sure the cornea is healthy.

Follow Up
You must return for follow up as instructed.